1st State of the Industry Conference

French Saint-Martin Tourist Office & Caribbean Tourism Organization announce Inaugural State of the Industry Conference in St. Martin Sept. 14-17

Tourism Leaders to Tackle Challenges and Opportunities of Global Recession While Providing Insight on the Future of Caribbean Tourism; Keynote Speech by British Airways CEO Keith Williams

The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) and the French Saint-Martin Tourist Office are pleased to announce the inaugural State of the Industry Conference which will take place in St. Martin from Sept. 14-17, 2011. Top policymakers, private sector executives and other leaders in the tourism industry will explore the conference’s theme, "How to Win in a Competitive Environment," including a keynote speech by British Airways’ Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams.

"The state of the industry is not only about overcoming current challenges, it’s also about identifying opportunities," said Hugh Riley, secretary general of the CTO, the Caribbean region’s tourism development agency representing over 30 countries. "This conference will allow the industry’s elite professionals to come together and develop strategies on how to increase and improve tourism to the region."

In conjunction with the French Saint-Martin Tourist Office and industry partners, CTO announces a program of panel discussions and presentations from leading tourism experts, such as:

"State of the Tourism Industry: A Global View" with Keith Williams, CEO, British Airways.

"Overcoming the Hurdles: Making Intra-Caribbean Travel Work" with CEOs from RedJet and LIAT and executives from, WinAir and InselAir.

"New Markets, New Horizons: Competing Successfully for the Right Opportunities" with Air Canada, JetBlue Airways and Virgin Atlantic

"The Caribbean’s Reality Check" with Prof. Avinash Persaud, executive chairman, Intelligence Capital Limited; senior fellow, London Business School and governor, London School of Economics.

"Successful Strategies for Public/Private Partnership" with VP of TOutes; president of Tambourine Creative and Partner and Account Group Director, Boom Your Brand.

"Using Limited Resources to the Greatest Advantage" with CEO of Sugarfly Marketing

"Influencing the Affluent: What Experts Say About the Caribbean’s Potential" with American Express Publishing, and executives from Virtuoso Luxury Travel Group and Marine Industries Association of South Florida.

The general conference sessions will be preceded by a series of meetings on Sept. 14 and 15 involving ministers, commissioners and directors of tourism, as well as private sector tourism partners. The conference headquarters hotel is Le Domaine on French St. Martin, and delegates are invited to experience “The Friendly Island” during events at various other sites.

To register and receive updates regarding the State of the Industry Conference, please visit www.onecaribbean.org